Pet Ownership Statistics

According to the 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 62% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to 72.9 millions homes.

In 1988, the first year the survey was conducted, 56% of U.S. households owned a pet as compared to 62% in 2008

Breakdown of pet ownership in the U.S. according to the 2011-2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey

Number of U.S. Households that Own a Pet (millions)
Bird 5.7

Cat 38.9

Dog 46.3

Equine 2.4

Freshwater Fish 11.9

Saltwater Fish 0.7

Reptile 4.6

Small Animal 5.0



Total Number of Pets Owned in the U.S. (millions)


Bird 16.2
Cat 86.4
Dog 78.2
Equine 7.9
Freshwater Fish 151.1
Saltwater Fish 8.61
Reptile 13.0
Small Animal 16.0

* Ownership statistics are gathered from APPA’s 2011-2012 National Pet Owners Survey





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